Sunday, March 1, 2015

Band:Blind Guardian

Album:Beyond The Red Mirror

Date Released:Jan 30 2015

Tracks:

The Ninth WaveTwilight Of The GodsPropheciesAt The Edge Of TimeAshes Of EternityThe Holy GrailThe ThroneSacred MindMiracle MachineGrand Parade

Band Members:

Hansi KürschAndré OlbrichMarcus SiepenFrederik EhmkeBarend Courbois

Formed:Mid 80's

Genre:Prog/Power Metal/Symphonic Metal

Label:Nuclear Blast

Quality & Originality:Blind Guardian has really put some serious time and effort keeping up there signature sound and song writing on ''Beyond The Red Mirror''. Hansi Kürsch & André Olbrich wrote a huge chunk of this release with Hansi Kürsch writing the lyrics. For this sound to reach the heights that it has on this album the band had Hungarian Studio Orchestra Budapest, FILMharmonic Orchestra Prague, Hungarian Studio Choir Budapest, FILMharmonic Choir Prague and Vox Futura Choir Boston all help get the magic of the backing vocals and amazing orchestra that is rich and damn vibrant. This is kinda a part two or a continuation of ''Imaginations from the other side'' released in 1995. Blind Guardian really did put one of there most significant albums to date with the sound, production and song writing as strong if not stronger then anything they have done to date!!!!!

My Opinion:This is the German metal mad men's tenth studio album. This is also the longest in between albums I can remember from Blind Guardian. It is no surprise they have flown to the top of there genre with great releases one right after another all resulting in a powerful presence. I think BTRM is or at least should be considered one of the best if not the best release the band has done to date with impressive production and song writing. Hansi never does a bad job with his returning magical voice that can do the roughest to the silky smooth all in the same second. This really is the best album that has come across my desk this year. I do not care if you are a Prog/Power fan or not you will rock this album out at a volume not meant for mortals ears!!!!

Overall & Favorites:The Ninth Wave, The Holy Grail, The Throne. The Red Mirror rocked my socks off to the tune of a 9.9/10 on such a brilliant freaking album!!!!!!

Band Members:

Steve Overland – Duet on Raintown

Label:Frontiers Music Srl

Quality & Originality:Issa and her velvet sweet voice is back with her new album entitled Crossfire. The Norwegian beauty has taken her brilliant style of almost pop rock mixed with AOR and prog to a grand new level of a beautiful arrangements and melodies. The album was produced by John Greatwood & James Martin. Sessions started in early 2013 with a bunch of songs ISSA had co-written or demoed in the Martin Brothers songwriting sessions. Guest musicians include Daniel Palmqvist (XORIGIN), Alessandro Del Vecchio (HARDLINE), Steve Newman (NEWMAN), Robert Sall (WORK OF ART), Daniel Johansson (DEGREED), Stephen Chesney. As well as powerhouse choir including Pete Newdeck (IN FAITH/TAINTED NATION), Matt Black (FAHRAN) and Michael Kew (VEGA).

My Opinion:Issa has always been a hard artist to nail down for me cause she could have easily went for the full on pop road cause of her amazing voice but she stays just on this side of the rock road to blend into almost any style or genre she damn well pleases. ''Crossfire'' is easily my favorite album of this gifted singer cause she seems to have matured a bit in her singing and song writing giving just enough to melt any metal heads heart and soul. The duet Issa does with Steve Overland on the song ''Raintown'' is beautifully executed and performed almost taking a different approach then the rest of the songs on the album. If you are into pop to metal or prog to symphonic this is a great album that will satisfy your appetite for something pretty special.

Overall & Favorites:Raintown, Crossfire, Fight Fire With Rain. I give this beautifully talented singer a brilliant 8/10 for making another spectacular album!!!!

Since
the days of Elvis and The Beatles legions of people have flocked to
guitars, basses, keyboards, drums to pay tribute to the bands that come
before them or try to invent a new world all there own. This day in age
there are so many genres in rock and metal that no matter what your
taste is you can indulge yourself from bands all over the world. When
most people think of rock they think of the British invasion or them
classic rock bands from the United States. Yvon Serre and his band M.I.C
has been all over the world in one form or another showing there own
take on rock from mixing funk and blues with a hint of classic rock
mixed with enriched riffs and catchy hooks giving them a following from
almost all continents. Yvon is such a great guy that always has time to
talk music or day to day life with anyone that wants to talk. He is a
family man always putting his family circle first in his life what is
such a respectable thing cause in the music world that is not something
that happens all the time. This months Band Spotlight is really special
to me cause I have followed Yvon and been a fan of his band for a while
now and being able to share his magic to you all is such a huge
honor!!!!

M.I.C 2013RBJYvon for the readers that might have not heard of M.I.C tell us a bit of history on the band?

YSIt
was 2004 when I decided to permanently move to China..I had been
playing music in Canada with bands since the age of 11 and had taken a
little break from the music scene in 2002. after playing the 55th
Anniversary Of The Liberation Of Chengdu T.V. show in December of 2004 I
though it was time to come back to the music scene..I formed the band
M.I.C. in 2005, played locally in the Chengdu China (Population 10
million) for a few years before recording the first M.I.C. Album in
2008. Now 5 albums later and another album on the way we have been lucky
enough to play many T.V. shows in China. One show worthy of mention
is where M.I.C. represented the City of Chengdu in 2007, being
broadcast to millions across China. Following that 5 CDs have
generated considerable airplay across Europe, particularly in
Spain, Germany, Netherlands, U.K., France, Poland, Belgium, U.S.A,
Canada & Japan. Other media features include a full-page
interview in the 2010 Sep/Oct issue of Heavy Magazine Germany's most
prestigious Metal/Rock publication. In addition they have been
reviewed in other major European magazines and countless webzines around
the world.

More
recently, M.I.C. has opened shows for various renown Chinese Pop Stars,
including Wang Feng, An Youqi & Xian Zion on live TV
broadcasts. In August of 2011 M.I.C. Opened the show for famous Hong
Kong band Beyond. .M.I.C. makes it on the Front page of the
Entertainment section of Chengdu's Biggest Newspaper...Chengdu is one
of the top Cities in China with a population of 10 million
people. October 3rd The 8th International Tour Music Festival &
on October 4th M.I.C. Headline The East Chengdu Music Festival in
Chengdu as well as doing many shows across China.

RBJ When did you decide to become a musician? What all instruments do you play?YSIt wasn't my decision really ..from when I can remember I always wanted to play music..It was an obsession.I play Guitar, Bass..drums and keys.. Yvon Serre rocking out!

YSWe are currently in the studio recording M.I.C. 6th Sense - many new guests will appear on the new Albumdue out spring/Summer 2015..

RBJI
have a few of your albums and the songs are always very strong and well
structured what is your writing process when you are writing new songs?

YS Most of the time I scream my head off, play a few chords..until I like what I've got..then work at it until I'm satisfied.Re
work it if I think it's still good a few months later..sometimes I'll
get a text from my co writer Jon Wilde..take my guitar and like magic
music and Melodie will come out of me...

RBJLets talk gear a few, What is some of your favorite gear you use?

YSI've
had, Les Pauls, Strats, Hiwatt etc..but at this point I'm using my own
custom guitars or cheap Chinese guitars I was able to buy in
China..which play well..and a Digitech pedal ..ha ha ha..I'm not a Gear
guy like you Jon..

Yvon in China

RBJWhat is some of your favorite bands and or music?

YSThe
Beatles will always be the top band for me..They're still blowing
peoples minds today..my second favorite is the Alice Cooper BandI
loved their music and the theatrics were out of this world..then there's
the Who, Johnny Winter, Brownsville Station, Mott The Hoople and more..

RBJYou
have toured some really amazing places and have been all around the
world any certain tour or show stand out or any great stories to share
about the road?

YSOne time we were asked to play a show somewhere in China..The promoter told us to bring long cords for our instruments..We
show up at the gig and it turned out to be a stadium..The best shows
were in China..you never knew what venue you'd be playing until you got
there..really a lot of fun..most of the times it was huge crowds..big
stages..

RBJI
have seen some of the live video's on Youtube and you have such a
spectacular stage presence do you have any shows or tours lined up for
2015 yet?

YSWe've been asked to play a few shows already, but no dates have been confirmed yet..

M.I.C rocking out

RBJThe
music world can be a bit brutal for them new bands that are just
getting there feet wet any advice for them to help them get them
rolling?

YSYou're right
the music business is brutal..I would say..Don't loose hope..when
everything seems hopeless..like magic something appears in your life
that gives you that extra boost you need to continue..History has shown
that most bands that made it big ..became big because they stuck it out
through thick and thin they worked hard..and of course they got lucky
and found a good manager who worked even harder got them their first
record deal..and after they became famous thought they made it because
of their talent..that's what they heard from their groupies..ha ha
ha..Ya need more than talent to make it..

RBJIf you was not doing MIC what do you think you would be doing?

YSI've though about quitting many times..then I start writing new songs then record a new albumMaybe someday a popular artist will choose one of my songs and have a big hit so I can make some real money..ha ha haI
was lucky to have one of my song play on a Canadian T.V. show back in
2011, The series is still playing around the world in syndication.

Thanks
Yvon

Yvon striking a pose

Yvon
is the ultimate front man winning people over at every show he has ever
done. What makes Yvon so special is he is the real deal from the music
to the lives he has touched he has that unforgettable presence about him
that draws people to him. I cannot wait to see what the new line up and
music brings for one of rocks hardest working musicians cause M.I.C has
payed more dues in the years they have been together then any ten bands
do in twice the time. If you are a fan of good ol Rock N Roll then this
is a band you really need to give a chance with there positive upbeat
songs and great hooks that are easily implanted in your head. Yvon also
has other projects he does from his solo work and The Harry Straight
Band there is plenty of his work out there for just about any fan!!

Band:Voices Of Destiny

Album:Crisis Cult

Date Released:Crisis Cult

Tracks:

Band Members:

Ada FlechtnerChris GutjahrLukas PalmeJens HartwigKlaus Ackermann

Formed:2004

Genre:Epic/Goth Metal

Label:Massacre Records

Located:Ludwigsburg Germany

Quality & Originality:Crisis Cult is there third full release I think this band went into the studio really determined to blow the doors off anything they had done to date. I love what the band has done on this album they have almost re-invented themselves a bit. The songs are extremely well structured with Andy Horn at Red Room taking on the producing, mixing and mastering on this album. I have always felt this band to be really original in there songs and a tribute to there genre with this album taking them a notch higher with a bit more balance and structure to this now veteran band. The album has so much power and raw emotion that Andy was able to take what the band had written and make it one of the best yet!!!

My Opinion:I first listened to this band on there first full release and was hooked. I knew that they was going to rise up the ranks pretty fast with the amazing song writing and the production of there albums. With a new singer and drummer on board I think they have almost come full circle in some ways hitting the best yet from this band. I along with some of there fans was a bit worried when the word that Ada was coming on board but after about 30 seconds into listening to this I knew something special had happened. This band has proved themselves time and time again in the competitive world of music sharing the stage with the likes of Epica, Xandria and Arven. If you like the goth, symphonic or female fronted metal this is really a early 2015 must have album!!!!

Overall & Favorites:Wolfpack, 21 Heros, To The Slaughter. I have to admit I am so brought in by Ada that I have to give this a solid 9/10. I like so many musicians would give anything to work with a female like her!!

December Spotlight Artist ChainfistSince
the day of bands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest the term ''Metal
Music'' has become probably the most diverse of all genres. There is
everything from rock, thrash, prog,
death, goth, industrial and on and on opening the doors for bands that
do not want to follow the FM popular bands or anyone else for that
reason to do things there own way. The styles of ''Metal'' are so
diverse depending on what country they are hailing from with some adding
more keyboards or some choosing to down tune to the point it sounds
like hell is opening up. Denmark native Chainfist
decided to go there own way not following the FM sheep nor anyone else
for that matter. They are a no non sense straight up in your face full
on metal band with great melodic overtones. Chainfist almost sound like a
mix of modern metal and prog
mixed with a bit of classic rock thrown in for good luck. With heavy
riffs and smooth well balanced leads a singer that knows when to turn on
the heat and when to harmonize and last but not least a rhythm section
that is about as tight as you can get. The band released there latest
album called ''Scarred'' on October 6 2014.

RBJ caught up with Mike Kopietz & Thomas Hvisel behind the massive guitars of the band!

RBJFor them that might not have heard of Chainfist lets roll on some basics.

When was the band formed, Where is the band from, Who are the members and what do they play?

MK:
Chainfist started out back in 2007 in Slagelse.
I came from the death metal scene and wanted to try some more down to
earth groove rhythms. At that time I was really alone with the song
writing. We tried all sorts of styles, which was to be found on our
debut „Black Out Sunday“ from 2010. We just wanted to play live shows,
getting the name out there, letting people know that we exist. And for
Chainfist, and 2014, its like pedal to the metal, full speed ahead.

RBJThe band released a new album not long ago called ''Scarred'' what was the writing process like on it?

TH:Well,
we all had many ideas, but they were pointing in many directions.
Mainly because of our different backgrounds and influences. But when we
found what we had in common, we began to make some good riffs and
Melody's. Some songs came out of nowhere, others needed a lot more work
and attention.

MK: Yeah, it was and is a very creative
process. Thomas and I are the ones providing the riffs, and ideas to the
others, we all have to take out what we like and don’t like, present it
to each other, and rewrite some of the shit again.

RBJWhere was ''Scarred'' recorded and who did the production on it?

MK:
''SCARRED“, was produced by Michael Hansen and the band, and it was
recorded in two studios… We did the recordings of the guitars and bass
in „Phon Studio“ with Michael Hansen from the danish band „Phonomik“
(Google it). And the drums and vocals was recorded in Jacob Hansen's
studios ''Hansen Studios.“ Giving us to opportunity to use some more
time, prerecording the songs first. Hard word I must say, but intense,
spontaneous, and you can really hear the amount of energy that was put
into this recording. Chainfist's new album entitled Scarred

RBJHas the band done any video's for the album. If so how did the band decide what song or songs to make into a video?

TH: Yeah. We have made a lyric video for 1000 ways to bleed, you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9vA8jd0Vi4

I guess the reason for this song, is that its one of the first we made together... and its a killer!

MK:
It was pretty natural for us to pick out this one as Thomas say, this
one was one of the songs that write itself, and really shows Chainfist
from our strong side, not that the other songs doesn't, but check it
out!

RBJI have read that to really get a feel for Chainfist
a person must see the band perform live is there any shows coming up
and what do you think the band brings to the stage that makes them a
must see?

TH:We have two shows coming up atm. 4 Dec.
2014 in Amagerbio – Supporting Pretty Maids, and 30 Jan. 2015 at Lygten
Station in Denmark. Our Booker is preparing some more shows for us in
2015, so stay tuned for more updates regarding Tour.

A must see band, is something unique for you. But for me, its well played energetic heavy f**king metal!

MK:
Basically all good music must be heard live. Live is where all the real
magic happens, its were all the united metal heads stand together and
the music comes to a new level of intensity!

RBJI
wanted to talk a second about the song ''Black Rebel Noise''. The band
added a acoustic version of the song to the album what made the band
decide to show a softer side?

TH: Well it was discussed a lot! laugh! But hell why not? who hates acoustic guitar?

MK:
When the song was done as a promo track, Jackie put out my western
guitar, and started playing the song as a ”Band camp” song… I was like…
You know what, this is a radio song, promoting the band, in a acoustic
kinda way. Well… We could do it, and we did, like or not, its there.

RBJWe are a music and gear blog so what bands are your favorites and inspired you to be a musician?

TH:
I‘ll try to keep it short. Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Jimmy Hendrix and
stuff. Later Judas Priest, W.A.S.P, Metallica, Death and Pantera.

MK: KISS has always been major icons for me, together with Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeth, Testament, Pantera etc.

RBJLike
the last question a lot of the readers are gear whore's also what gear
makes Chainfist rock n roll and is there a certain piece of gear you
cannot live without?

TH: We
are a metal band, so we need tons of CONTROLLED distortion! Huge amps,
and cabinets. The more the merrier! I think my friend Michael kopietz would say he cant live without EMG pickups!

MK:
True, my EMG’s these are a must for me, but not only this. I love heavy
guitars like Gibson. Put some 012 strings on them, and just do those
fast picks, and down strokes, then you can feel the love coming out of
the speaker.

RBJWhere can people find Chainfist online and also pick up the new album?

MK:
Jackie, just did a amazing job putting together our brand new web shop
(www.shop.chainfist.net). There you can buy all our products, hoodies,
cd’s, mugs, tanktops… Check it out, pretty cool stuff there.

RBJThere
are new bands starting in garage's and basements all over the world
what words of wisdom would you give them from not just the band portion
but the business side of being a band?

TH: I would say. Don't do it for the money, cause business is bad. Do it because you cant stop playing.

MK:
I agree… Do it because you cannot live without it, do it because you
feel at home, do it cause you feel as a person doing it. JUST DO IT, for
the love of music.

RBJAny last words to the amazing people reading this today?

THANK
YOU for reading this! For more on Chainfist, check out our website or
Facebook: www.chainfist.net – C-ya out there on stage, more to come from
us.

Thomas and Michael – Axemen from Chainfist!Cheers!!!

With
so much music and bands following what is popular on the FM dial or
following the latest fads there are still a few true to there roots
bands like Chainfist left in this world. There is nothing fancy about what Chainfist
does it is just right in your face metal done by people that believe in
what they do and could not do anything else but rock the masses!!! If
you get a chance to see them perform live I suggest you jump on it cause
they promise to make it a show you will never forget.

Monday, December 1, 2014

By Kris Martens

Band:At The Gates

Album:At War With Reality

Date Released:Oct 27 2014

Tracks:

El Altar Del Dios DesconocidoDeath And The LabyrinthAt War With RealityThe Circular RuinsHeroes And TombsThe Conspiracy Of The BlindOrder From ChaosThe Book Of Sand (The Abomination)The Head Of The HydraCity Of MirrorsEater Of GodsUpon Pillars Of DustThe Night Eternal

Band Members:

Formed:1990

Genre:Death Metal

Label:Century Media Records

Quality & Originality:At the Gates are the original melodic death metal band. They are the
originators of the Swedish melodic death metal sound. At war with
reality picks up where the band left off when they disbanded in 1996.
This album is amazing. The quality of the tracks is very high. Heavy as
hell but highly melodic at the same time. This album is a thick slab of
metal and one of the most anticipated metal albums of the year.
AWWR is an amazing follow up to the genre defining Slaughter of the Soul.

My Opinion:I have always felt that At the Gates were way ahead of their time. They
are as relevant as ever and At War with Reality fits into the modern
metal category. Bjorler's riffs are fantastic! The album ranges from
really aggressive material to absolutely mind numbingly beautiful. The
heavy riffs match well with the avant garde stuff and the leads are the
best to date. I have always loved the contrast in styles that AtG play.
Erlandson always seems to play the right beat for the tune. Lindberg is
in top form and sounds like a possessed beast! You can really hear the
passion he brings to the band.

Overall & Favorites:The circular ruins, At war with reality, the night eternal. I'm gonna
rate this album at a 9/10. It is a great follow up to Slaughter of the
Soul and as an old fan it is very satisfying.

Pete Godfrey

Tony Marshall -Ex Contagious, Pride,Vaughn

Pete Newdeck -Tainted Nation, Newman, Ex Edens's Curse

Guests:

Label:Rocktopia/Cargo Records

Promotion:Rock N Growl

Genre: Rock/Prog Rock/AOR

Quality & Originality:Before I had even listened to this album reading all about band to the guests and even the producer Pete Newdeck(Tainted Nation, Newman, Ex Eden's Curse)and Mastering By Harry Hess (Harem Scarem)I knew that this was going to be something really special. When I finally was able to give it a respectable listen I knew this was pure gold with a pure golden approach of a already amazing mixture of AOR and prog rock/metal. This is the real deal with originality overflowing from every song!!!!!!!

My Opinion:In Faith have come out of the gate swinging to make a lasting impression on fans of so many styles. I love the upbeat mix of 80's with a hit of rock and hard rock and a blast of prog and AOR. This is a brilliantly written album that really takes me back when people really cared about there music. With the resume of musicians that play on this album really shine into a brilliant collection of 11 songs just about anyone can fall in love with the first time listening!! My favorite part is the production on this album cause so many times in this style of music the keys or guitars are really dominate and this album is flawless with the mix giving all instruments a perfect home and place to flow the music!!!!

Overall & Favorites:Radio,Addicted, All Or Nothing. I give this album a 9/10 cause this album made me be totally In Faith just on the first listen!!!